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CubCrafters debuts regenerative turbine-powered Carbon Cub ULT for backcountry flying
CubCrafters launches the Carbon Cub ULT featuring a TurboTech regenerative turboprop engine, targeting the FAA's MOSAIC light-sport rules and offering Jet-A fuel capability with turbine smoothness.
The gist
CubCrafters unveils the Carbon Cub ULT, a backcountry aircraft powered by a unique turbine engine letting sport pilots fly a turbine under new FAA rules.
CubCrafters has introduced a turbine-powered variant of its popular Carbon Cub UL light-sport aircraft, naming it the Carbon Cub ULT. This new model replaces the UL’s Rotax piston engine with a French-developed TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop. The company announced the aircraft on July 7, 2026, just ahead of its planned public debut at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event later that month. Customer deposits are now being accepted with first deliveries expected in 2027.
The Carbon Cub UL platform itself is an evolution of CubCrafters’ ongoing effort to modernize the classic high-performance Piper Super Cub design. The UL model is highly regarded for its exceptional backcountry capabilities, light weight, and short-field performance. The new ULT variant builds on this foundation, incorporating turbine technology that remains unusual in the light-sport category.
CubCrafters is targeting the ULT at the new FAA MOSAIC regulations, which expand light-sport aircraft eligibility to include alternative propulsion types such as turbines. The company touts the Carbon Cub ULT as the first US-manufactured turboprop eligible for sport pilot operation under these rules. The turbine engine enables operation on widely available Jet-A and diesel fuels, broadening operational environments and fueling options compared to piston engines.
The TurboTech TP-R90 engine is a regenerative cycle turboprop, designed to recover heat from exhaust gases to preheat intake air and boost fuel efficiency. This innovative design aims to deliver the smoothness and reliability of turbine power while keeping fuel consumption close to that of a modern piston engine. Equipped with a full FADEC system, the engine manages fuel flow, ignition, and propeller operation automatically, simplifying pilot workload with push-button start and single-lever power control.
CubCrafters’ prototype ULT features a cockpit equipped with Garmin G3X Touch avionics, enhanced by a dedicated turbine engine display specific to the TurboTech installation. With an empty weight estimated at 880 pounds and a maximum gross weight of 1,865 pounds, the aircraft carries 44 gallons of fuel for an endurance of about 5.2 hours and a range near 593 nautical miles. Cruise speeds exceed 113 knots, closely matching the performance of the piston-powered UL variant despite the turbine upgrade.
The aircraft’s STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities remain strong, with takeoff distances around 50 feet and landing rolls about 90 feet, ideal for backcountry operations. A wingspan just over 34 feet and seating for two help maintain the Cub’s familiar profile and utility. CubCrafters offers the ULT in either Light Sport or Experimental Amateur-Built configurations, including a factory builder-assist option.
The TurboTech engine is developed by a French company founded by former Safran engineers, backed by Safran and GO Capital. The company’s turbine engines have seen flight in European ultralights and helicopters, providing proven technology for the ULT’s powerplant. CubCrafters identifies the engine’s output at around 160 horsepower including an electric boost feature, indicating robust but efficient performance.
CubCrafters President and CEO Patrick Horgan emphasized the advanced engineering involved in bringing together regenerative turbine technology, full FADEC control, lightweight composite construction, and established STOL capability into a practical backcountry machine. TurboTech CEO Damien Fauvet praised CubCrafters as their launch partner in the US and highlighted the Carbon Cub ULT as an excellent demonstration platform.
While pricing for the turbine-powered ULT has not yet been announced, it will likely carry a premium over the $293,900 starting price of the Rotax-powered Carbon Cub UL. The company continues flight testing near its Yakima, Washington headquarters and will showcase the aircraft at EAA AirVenture 2026 in booths 272-274.
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